In response to Lee Ceccanese’s Feb. 15 letter, headlined: “Is enforcing the ban on pot the best use of resources,” I wish to clear the record.

Ishmael Callistro was arrested Aug. 2, 2011 after New York Police Department narcotics officers observed a drug transaction between Mr. Callistro and a separately charged buyer in front of an open business. The buyer was arrested a short time later possessing crack-cocaine.

Mr. Callistro, however, attempted to escape — hitting three officers, the store and several other cars with his vehicle before finally crashing next to a playground. One of the injured officers has been unable to return to active duty and must endure a complete hip replacement.

Upon arrest, Mr. Callistro possessed marijuana and he was subsequently indicted on charges for marijuana possession and for his reckless actions while fleeing the police.

After a jury handed down a speedy verdict as to the majority of the charges, Mr. Callistro was appropriately sentenced to 16 years to life. The court deemed him to be a “mandatory persistent felon” under state law because he had been convicted of at least three separate violent felony offenses within the past 10 years. His criminal record includes once shooting an off-duty police officer here on Staten Island.

Be assured, my office will continue to prosecute all crimes — whether they be minor infractions or serious felony offenses.